Body Cream Formulation with L-Carnitine, Glycolic Acid, and Activated Resorcinol
Asked by: lady_pop2
On: August 22, 2016
Product Type:
Cosmetics
Question
Could you please provide a body cream formulation using the following ingredients, suitable for making in larger quantities?
Water Phase:
- L-Carnitine: 3%
- Glycolic Acid: 5%
- Phenoxyethanol SA: 1%
- Water: To 100%
Oil Phase:
- Activated Resorcinol: 1%
- Grape oil: 5% (Increase to 10% for dry skin)
- Sweet Almond Oil: 5% (Increase to 10% for dry skin)
- Butter Cream Maker: 4%
Answer
Body Cream Formulation for Large Batches
Here is a suggested formulation for a body cream using the ingredients you requested, suitable for making in larger quantities. This formula is based on the recommendations provided.
Formula
Water Phase:
- Water: To 100%
- L-Carnitine: 3%
- Glycolic Acid (Glycopure™): 5%
- Phenoxyethanol SA: 1%
Oil Phase:
- Activated Resorcinol™: 1%
- NaturalProfile™ Grape Seed Oil: 5% (Increase to 10% for dry skin)
- NaturalProfile™ Sweet Almond Oil: 5% (Increase to 10% for dry skin)
- Butter Cream Maker™: 4%
Instructions
- Prepare the Water Phase: In a heat-resistant container, combine the water, L-Carnitine, and Glycolic Acid. Heat this phase to approximately 80°C while stirring until everything is dissolved.
- Prepare the Oil Phase: In a separate heat-resistant container, combine Activated Resorcinol™, Grape Seed Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, and Butter Cream Maker™. Heat this phase to approximately 80°C, stirring until the Butter Cream Maker™ is completely melted and the ingredients are well combined.
- Combine Phases: Slowly add the heated water phase to the heated oil phase while continuously stirring or blending with a high-shear mixer. Maintain mixing until the mixture is emulsified and appears uniform.
- Cooling and Adding Heat-Sensitive Ingredients: Continue stirring the mixture as it cools. When the temperature drops below 60°C, add Phenoxyethanol SA and stir until fully incorporated.
- Final Adjustments: Once the cream has cooled further (below 40°C), check the pH. Glycolic Acid is acidic, and while the Butter Cream Maker™ is tolerant to a wide pH range, the final pH should ideally be adjusted to be skin-friendly (typically between 4.0 and 6.0). Note that the effectiveness of Glycolic Acid is higher at lower pH, but this can increase the risk of irritation and may affect the stability of Activated Resorcinol™. The formula uses Glycolic Acid at 5%, which is the maximum recommended for general cosmetic use.
- Setting: The cream will continue to thicken as it cools and sets, which can take up to 12 hours for the Butter Cream Maker™.
Ingredient Notes
- L-Carnitine: A water-soluble amino acid that helps accelerate skin cell turnover, moisturize, and can assist in reducing the appearance of cellulite.
- Glycolic Acid (Glycopure™): An Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) that exfoliates the skin, promoting cell renewal. The concentration of 5% is the maximum recommended for general cosmetic use.
- Activated Resorcinol™: An oil-soluble ingredient known for its skin brightening properties by inhibiting pigment production. It is sensitive to light and high acidity, which should be considered when adjusting the final pH.
- NaturalProfile™ Grape Seed Oil & NaturalProfile™ Sweet Almond Oil: These are nourishing oils that provide moisture and beneficial fatty acids to the skin, helping to keep it soft and smooth. You can adjust their percentages based on your skin's dryness.
- Butter Cream Maker™: An emulsifier that helps combine the water and oil phases into a stable cream. It is tolerant to acidic formulas, which is beneficial when using Glycolic Acid.
- Phenoxyethanol SA: A broad-spectrum preservative to protect the cream from microbial growth.
Tips for Making a Large Batch
- Use appropriately sized, clean, and sanitized equipment (beakers, mixers, containers).
- Ensure consistent heating and mixing throughout the process to achieve a stable emulsion.
- Allow sufficient time for the cream to cool and set completely before packaging.
- Store the finished product in opaque containers to protect Activated Resorcinol™ from light.
This formulation provides a rich body cream with multiple active ingredients. Always perform a small test batch first to ensure you are satisfied with the texture and stability before making a large quantity.
Related Products Mentioned
L-Carnitine (Carnitine)
Cosmetics
Glycopure™ (Glycolic Acid (AHA) Powder)
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Phenoxyethanol SA (eq. Optiphen Plus)
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Butter Cream Maker™
Cosmetics